The Empire Strikes Back - Part 3

[BBBD316]

((I will have to apologise as though I have started to play Vicky2 again, I can't remember if it has an acceptall cheat. Which could be used to force the Communists into an alliance.

@austrianemporer Yeah I refer to Henry as bethren and Christophoros as our enemy. Though now it appears that Brittany and Brittania are at war, perhaps with France.))

 

[zenphoenix]

((I will have to apologise as though I have started to play Vicky2 again, I can't remember if it has an acceptall cheat. Which could be used to force the Communists into an alliance.

@austrianemporer Yeah I refer to Henry as bethren and Christophoros as our enemy. Though now it appears that Brittany and Brittania are at war, perhaps with France.))

((It has a yesmen cheat, if that's what you're referring to. But it would force all diplomatic agreements to go through, so best to disable it as soon as the communists ally each other.))

 

[Arakhor]

((Other cool titles include mesazon or "intermediary", who was effectively the chief minister of the emperor of the time, and kanikleios, from the name of the inkstand which held the scarlet ink used for penning imperial decrees, which was a rank often held in tandem with another office and essentially made him the keeper of the laws.))

 

[Idhrendur]

(( I'm not quite sure what forcing the communists into an alliance gains them at the moment. I can easily do so via save edit, and maybe do so if they land in more wars (in addition to France's wars on Burgundy and Flanders-Walloonia).

I'll aim to do a new update post in the morning, I'm not sure if I have time tonight. After that, I'll be out of town a few days. But as these are shorter posts, I hope to keep them moving a little faster than normal. ))

 

[Idhrendur]

My Emperor, it is fine. I prefer to lead the remaining legions in Britannia to victory against my cousin, Henry Palaiologos. He has betrayed this Empire and is a die- hard communist. I will personally lead the war against his forces and hope to achieve a victory and bring him to you.

-Senator Christophoros Palaiologos

Having arrived at the port, Nestorius and Hairini both headed to where their ship should be. While Hairini looked around herself, absorbed by the looks of the port, Nestorius suggested they check if they had all their documents. Having done so, they headed to buy their tickets and board the ship. At the ship, the two show their documents and tickets, causing the crew member to raise an eyebrow towards Nestorius. "You are Septiadis?" he asked. "Why, of course. Who else would I be?"

The crew member stood there in silence for a moment and leaned forward. He whispered something in his ear, something Nestorius would yell loudly: "PEOPLE THINK I WAS ASSASSINATED?!" he yelled out. The crew member attempted to shush the surprised senator, but only with Wataa's help was that achieved. "How about you send a message to the Senate and inform them of our plans to arrive?" she asked politely. The crew member straightened up and rushed elsewhere. The two hoped nothing bad will happen.

---

Thankfully, nothing bad happened. The crew member returned to tell of how the Western Mediterranean Fleet will be escorting the ship now, because of their presence. They thanked the crew member for his hard work and went to their room. Nestorius laid in his bed, still under slight shock over the fact that people have thought he had been killed years ago. Soon, that thought subsided after he realized that he barely remembered anyone at the Senate; he'd only hope someone recognized him when the two arrived. Hairini was very much more upbeat, as she continued writing into her book. While the two would attend meals onboard, both spent their times mostly in their room.

---

One evening, off the coast of the Peloponnese, Nestorius was alone in his room, having calmed himself slightly over the rumor by reading some literature. At one point, he noticed how he was in fact alone. If Hairini, a native from Aoteorea, were to do something obscene, it would be his neck in the yoke. Swiftly, he put the literature down and headed to the deck to look for her. Almost instantly, he found her near the railing, staring out at Hellas. He slowly approached her and joined in. "How long have you stared out at the coast and sky?" he asked. "Heh.... I've lost count," she responded, to which he responded with his own little laugh. "You could've told me that you'd be gazing tonight. I would've joined you," he said with a smile, which Hairini responded with another little laugh.

The two gazed out and talked about their respective motherlands; while Nestorius hadn't missed Greece much, as he had seen it all, he did miss Hadrianopolis, as well as Dyrrhachion. Hairini made many comparisons when reminded of home, which Nestorius noticed. "You miss your home, more than I miss mine, hm?" he asked. She looked away from a moment, unsure how to respond, before turning back towards him. "I do. I really do. But I am here thanks to my home.... and my family," she said. She spoke of how the other big reason why she was working overseas was that she was supporting her family back home, and she spoke of events of discrimination she and her family had faced. "There are many kinds of people in this world, Hairini. Remember that," Nestorius commented. "I know, I've met one right here," she replied with a smile, which slowly faded.

She began to hesitate whether or not she should ask Nestorius what is on her mind, but after giving it some thought, she decided it was worth a shot. "Nestor, if I may call you that.... is it possible if you could speak about discrimination against non-Greeks in the Empire?" she asked. Nestorius shrugged. "I've been gone for so long. The political scene at the Senate might've already decided to do something about it, but I don't know. However, if I'm forced to speak about it, I will defend the people of this Empire, Greek or not," he told her. Hairini sighed, happy that someone would speak about the topic. "Oh, and if you wish to call me Nestor, that's fine by me. Just give me a nickname for you," he told her slyly. Hairini took a moment to think of a name: "Cyrene."

"Well then, Cyrene, I believe we've gazed enough. We should go to sleep," Nestorius said with a smile. The two returned to their room and went to sleep.

Grand Workers Republic Battle HQ - Rennes, Brittany

"Comrade Chairperson, it has worked. The Emperor still thinks I am loyal to rotting corpse of an Empire. He doesn't realise that the tides of history and the power of the worker are ready to wash his corruption from the face of the earth. Even now our workers are taking control of the armaments industries here and in Isles. They hope to extract the Legions to prepare to fight the other Empires in the North."

" Your report is most interesting Gael, we have had similar reports from our brethren across the channel, Henry Palaiologos cousin of my father's enemy in the capital. We must move fast to secure the rest of the Workers Republic of the Isles and then push our neighbours to either joins us or die."

"Speaking of Palaiologos, he is in Britannia!"

"He must not leave! I swear by my father and grandfather, I Layla Gray will avenge my blood and liberate our peoples from the tyrants of this world!"

((Constantinople, Ministry of Security Headquarters))

"Minister, we have received troubling news from the rebels in Britannia," said Cyril, "It appears that they have declared the independence of a 'Syndicalist' state called variously as the 'Union of Britain' and as the 'Workers' Commonwealth.' We don't know much about their leadership, military and industrial strength, but propaganda that was found by stranded legions in the province imply a goal to destroy the Empire and execute the imperial family."

"Worrying," said Theodora, "They are perhaps the most dangerous of the rebels. Should they get too powerful they could inspire other communist insurrections in the loyal provinces."

"Theodora, as much as we all want the rebels in Britannia to be crushed, with Gallia in rebel hands it would be impossible to reach them," said Ioannes Dalassenos, "It is best to focus on the rebel groups operating closest to loyal territory. We must destroy Italia, which with its grip over Lombardy is strangling the loyal citizens in the rest of the province. We must destroy the rebel Palestinians and secure our supply routes. We have to secure the continent first. Britannia can wait."

Theodora sighed. "Any news on Markos Angelos?"

"We've got bad news coming out of Russia." Ioannes tossed down a newspaper, whose headline screamed "IMPERIAL TRAITOR NEGOTIATES PACT BETWEEN GERMANY, RUSSIA."

"They're calling it the Pact of Steel," said Ioannes, "And the alliance is known by two names: the Northern Alliance and the Central Powers. Markos managed to escape. He has united our two enemies against us."

"We need to act fast," said Theodora, "End this civil war before the Russians can strike. We may need foreign assistance from Ukraine, Abyssinia, and India for this."

((Note that my characters only know the existence of the communist state, nothing else.))

((Private - Samarkand))

"Excellent...everything is going according to plan. Prepare to send funding and equipment to the rebels!"

Letter to Constantinople:
Bah, Communist scum! Once more, they have betrayed this Empire. I petition the Emperor to pass a law outlawing all Communist parties in this Empire! They are a blight on this Empire and seek to bring it down at all costs! We must seek a final solution to this problem, I propose that any Communist found after this law is passed will be sentenced to either life in prison or execution on the charge of treason. I am currently conducting a fighting retreat through Britannia. My, I am ashamed to call him this, cousin is in Londinium right now conducting operations against us. But our legions are strong and tough, we will not fall easily. Attrition is slowly whittling us down right now and the rebel is conducting ambushes at every corner. I have received information that our Communist former colleague is the linchpin of the Communist rebellions. I have dispatched several elite soldiers to try and ... take care of him. Alas, I fear Britannia will be lost soon.
- General Christophoros Palaiologos

Meanwhile in Londinium in a crowded building ((Henry Palaiologos))...
I am pleased to announce of a Communist brotherhood against the imperialists to resist all attempts to forcefully subjugate the proletariat. Together, we shall stand strong and united against the capitalists who seek only to exploit the hard work of proletariat so they can eat and drink it all away. Together, comrades, we shall bring down this decadent, oppressive Empire called Rome! Together, we shall export the Revolution elsewhere and spread equality and liberty throughout the corners of the world! Our comrades, the Gray's, are currently marshalling Communist forces in Brittany. Comrades, I ask you to follow me to destroy the weak, retreating forces of the oppressive monarchy called Rome. Comrades, I ask you to spread progress throughout the world!

((In a letter to General Palaiologos))
The final solution to the communist problem should be to deny them anything that could boost their argument. We could implement social reforms that they desire so that they cannot use those to gain credibility. Of course, some reforms, such as the abolition of the monarchy, are too radical and treasonous to even consider, and we should execute any who support those ideas as traitors.

Megas Domestikos Ioannes Dalassenos

Yes, of course, I agree completely with you. But we must also suppress such revolutionary tendencies!
-General Christophoros Palaiologos

Your concerns are understood, general. It is my job as Megas Domestikos to ensure that revolutionary tendencies are and will be suppressed.

 

[Idhrendur]

June 3, 1910

Senators,

Finally, the nearby rebels have been driven from the vicinity of Constantinople. Yet again, the walls held firm and the Scholai Palatiane won the day.

Likewise, the half of XXIII. Legio in Burgundy has fought free of their foes and is expected to reach the city of Amsterday by the sixth of June. They have reported that Burgundy is led by someone claiming to be the Pope. For those who don’t remember, the Pope was the Bishop of Rome when the Latin Rite had begun to separate from the Church, who had claimed primacy over the other Patriarchs. When the schism was ended, he fled to the few countries that still supported the heretical movement, and eventually there was no more word of Popes after all nations turned back to the church. We do not know whether the succession of Popes continued in secret, or if this is someone merely seeking anything that would provide a claim against the Empire.

In sad news, We received word that VII. Legio was completed defeated in the battle of Manchester. No organized forces are reporting in from Britannia, and We fear that all have been lost.

A small smattering of VI. Legio has escaped enemy forces and hopes to escape to La Rochelle by tomorrow. Likewise X. Legio, heading for Ghent. A large enemy force in Pozega, in the Balkans, is primed to crush XXVII. Legio, but XXIX. Legio should be arriving tomorrow to aid.

The remnants of XI. Legio have escaped from Australia and are under way for the nearest port in the Cocos islands so that their transports can be used to extract XXXXII. Legio from Java.

Many other rebel forces have been defeated, but it is too early to fully know what forces have escaped, let alone what forces will be ready when we strike back.

But something yet more strange has happened. Both Russia and Germany have ceded lands to Poland-Lithuania in order to draw them into their alliance. This may yet be cause for worry.

 

[Damian0358]

The ship carrying Nestorius and Hairini arrived as scheduled in Constantinople on the 2nd of June, but circumstances delayed it to arrive in the late evening. The two grabbed their things and got off, as they entered the City of the World's Desire. Nestorius took a deep breath, as he let the smells of the never-sleeping city surround him once more. "Ah, the Queen of Cities, how long since we have parted?" he thought aloud. Hairini looked around herself, as she saw the spectacle that was the Reigning City. She pulled out her journal and immediately began writing descriptions of the capital. Nestorius looked over to her, laughing slightly. "Cyrene, you'll have enough time to explore and write later. For now, we should find a place to rest at," he told her. She turned to him and nodded, putting her journal back. They quickly found a place to rest for the night.

---

In the morning, the two prepared themselves for the departure to the Senate. "Do you think the senators remember that you exist, Nestor?" Hairini asked. Nestorius paused for a moment. "....Hopefully?" he said in an unsure manner. Hairini responded with a giggle. "Well, I doubt you remember many of them," she said slyly, causing him to laugh in a confirmational way. Eventually, they got ready and left.

Arriving at the Senate, the two were stopped at the front of the building by two guards, asking for their identities. Once Nestorius revealed who they were, they were allowed in. They then spent the next few minutes trying to find where the Senators were before finally locating them. They quietly entered the room and put their things on the coat rack, as Nestorius tried to identify one of the senators before they identified him.

 

[austrianemporer]

General Solanis' letter to the Senate:
It is my duty and my sadness to report to the Imperial Senate and the Emperor of General Palaiologos' condition. He personally supervised the defence of Manchester against overwhelming enemy forces and was shot twice, once in the arm and once in the chest. He is grievously wounded, I do not know if he will survive. The second in command, General Georgios Mavronis was killed by an artillery shell. Imperial forces are in full retreat, the Seventh Legion is gone. General Durranis is currently leading the remnant of the Tenth Legion to the coast near Ghent to be picked up by the navy. I am leading the Sixth Legion to west coast to be picked up by the navy. I do not know if we will survive.

 

[Sir Dippingsauce]

((Sorry I have been gone for a while, I've had two weeks no internet with no warning whatsoever.))
No-one knew what happened to Marco during the first months of the civil war, but Marco had some rage to take care of.
WHAT!?!?! WHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAT!!?!?? THIS.IS.UNACCEPTABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Once news of the Civil war hit, he didn't even warn the senate he was going to wales to 'give those chaps a right talking-to'.
all he did was leave a short note to Sarah and Gabriel.
Dear Sarah and Gabriel,
The recent war has made me quite....annoyed, so I am going over to Wales to join a loyal resistance group and do some sabotage. I shall soon return, donut fear.
Julius

Once two weeks had passed, Julius decided that he had quite enough of killing and blowing up supply lines. He got a ship to Constantinople, and managed to avoid enemy patrol ships. As of right now, he is currently in the senate building trying to find everybody.

2 minutes later...
"Hey everybody, have you missed me?"

 

[Damian0358]

Nestorius was unsure what to think. He didn't recognize anyone. He couldn't even locate the Senators he would've assumed to be here, such as Comminus, Smithereens or Komnenos. He became very nervous over approaching the others, but Hairini re-assured him that things would be alright. Nodding in response, the two slowly began approaching the others when, out of nowhere, Senator Marco appeared. Nestorius looked at him for a moment before realizing he had never met him before. He slowly turned back to the other senators and continued approaching them, as he tried to find his seat.

 

[Arakhor]

"I see that a few senators have got up late today. Well, at least that means that they're probably not traitors, heretics, rebels or secessionists."

 

[Damian0358]

As Nestorius found his seat and got an extra one for Hairini, he overheard senator Alexios speak. "You could say I've been late for some 30 years," he quipped.

 

[zenphoenix]

"Hello everybody," said Theodora, "I presume your presence here means that you are loyal to the Empire, so I'll spare you all the standard vetting procedures. Instead...do you have any valuable information on the location of rebel troops and supply routes? I have heard some of you were stranded inside rebel territory for some time."

 

[Sir Dippingsauce]

Unfortunately, I was only able to get my hands on a letter, and liberate a few villages, plus a small town.

 

[zenphoenix]

Unfortunately, I was only able to get my hands on a letter, and liberate a few villages, plus a small town.

Do you have this letter with you? Which towns and villages did you liberate? I need specifics if we are to eradicate the rebel scum!

 

[Michaelangelo]

All I can say is I am most grateful I was not at my estate outside Venice when this whole calamity started. Both my father and grandfather were murdered on its premises, and likely I would have been the third. I can only imagine what those filthy separatists are doing to my estates right now. The poor vineyards.

- Senator Raphael Favero

 

[zenphoenix]

((We really should make some of the rebel states fascist/bourgeois/presidential dictatorships or democracies to spice things up a bit.))

 

[Damian0358]

Nestorius and Hairini just watched the other senators talk with blank expressions. The former was unsure how to go about not only introducing himself to the rest and explaining his absence, as well as figure out what had happened since the death of Empress Veronica, while the latter was just nervous, unaware of how the others would react to a native from a rebel state. But she knew they had to contribute. "Come on, say something," she whispered to Nestorius. "You think I'm not trying, Cyrene?" he replied with his own whisper.

He decided to draw attention to himself with a few strategically placed coughs. Perhaps someone might realize who he was, considering the fact that they had contacted the Senate before setting off from Naples.

 

[zenphoenix]

Theodora noticed Nestorius's artificial coughing immediately. "Senator Nestorius," she said, "You seem awfully quiet today. Don't be shy; feel free to talk. Your presence at the Senate today establishes your loyalty to the Empire. Your...assistant...is also welcomed to the Senate with open arms."

 

[Damian0358]

Nestorius was glad to have been finally acknowledged by someone. "Pardon my quiet nature. I've just been absent for so long. I..... don't really recognize anyone here. And I'm very much in the dark in regards to what has happened since 1901, though I'm only slightly aware of what has happened a few years prior to 1901, which I will have to rectify," he stated. "Nonetheless, I am glad that someone recognized me despite this."